Synthesis of porous-hollow LiMn0.85Fe0.15PO4/C microspheres as a cathode material for lithium-ion batteries

Porous-hollow LiMn0.85Fe0.15PO4/C microspheres with an orthorhombic structure and Pnmb space group were synthesized by a wet-milling-assisted spray drying method using sucrose as the source. The prepared samples were characterized by X-ray diffraction, isothermal adsorption-desorption, scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy and electrochemical tests. The prepared porous-hollow LiMn0.85Fe0.15PO4/C micro spheres consist of interconnected pores and carbon coated LiMn0.85Fe0.15PO4 nanoparticles (similar to 100 nm) and have a specific surface area of 49.56 m(2).g(-1). The as-synthesized porous-hollow LiMn0.85Fe0.15PO4/C microspheres deliver a discharge capacity of 135 mAh.g(-1) with a capacity retention ratio over 99.5% after 50 cycles at 1 C. The enhanced electrochemical performance can be ascribed to the porous-hollow structure, which improves the electronic conductivity, lithium-ion diffusion and the reversibility of the electrochemical reaction. (C) 2016 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.